A statement of basic principles of accreditation by the Commission for the Study of Accreditation of Selected Health Programs. (HS)

Institutions of higher learning, on the whole, have failed to draw upon the full potential of the accrediting process as an instrument for internal planning and development. (Editor)

Accrediting agencies are caught between the problem of increased government control of practices on the one hand, and the risk of being charged with social irresponsibility on the other. (HS)

It is suggested that there are infinite ways in which institutions may affirm the value and realize the benefits of accreditation, but all require significant effort. Particular effort should be directed to several basic institutional responsibilities in the process--commitment, candor, coordination, outcome studies, and participation in the…

If accreditation is to fulfill its purposes of quality assessment and quality enhancement, its processes must succeed in evaluating institutional or program performance on stated objectives, and in motivating continuous planning for improvement. (MLW)

The author discusses whether institutional eligibility for government funds should be tied to accreditation. (Editor/PG)

Author details 6 new self-study approaches that focus on current problems and opportunities and that could mean the survival ofan institution. (HS)

Accrediting standards are studied in a comparative analysis of the major areas of emphasis, commonality, and differences. Questions addressed include: Are standards quantitative or qualitative? Do they inhibit innovation and experimentation? Do accrediting agencies keep standards abreast of current developments? Are they more interested in form…

The proliferation of accrediting agencies, agencies overreaching their authority, and the changes ahead in professional accreditation in the health professions are discussed. There are almost as many accrediting groups in the health-related areas as in all other areas combined. (MLW)

Describes the Project on Noncollegiate-Sponsored Instruction, a system (developed by the American Council on Education and the New York State Board of Regents) to provide for academic credit for college-level coursework given by noncollegiate organizations. The evaluation system for selecting and reviewing courses and making credit recommendations…

A report from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is discussed. The major issues and options that should be considered before establishing or reevaluating an overseas program are described. (Author/MLW)

Accreditation must resume its status as a voluntary system that responds to, rather than demands response from the institutions and programs it was and is intended to serve. Some suggestions are offered that allow institutions to be active rather than reactive to accreditation. (MLW)

A reduction of the total number and scope of government regulations can be accomplished only through a basic commitment by institutions to the development of credible self-regulating mechanisms. These should have the authority to monitor institutional policy and practices. (Author/LBH)

The accreditation process benefits institutions through self-knowledge, accountability, the establishment of a legal standard, and the competition it creates. However, accreditation needs to address (1) the value of student gains in knowledge and skills and (2) the measurement of quality rather than quantity. Efforts of the American Assembly of…